Yes, he’s the mastermind behind GoDaddy, but how many people truly know the real-life story of the highly successful, philanthropic, and colorful man behind the company?
In his new bestselling book, FIRE IN THE HOLE! The Untold Story of My Traumatic Life and Explosive Success, GoDaddy and PXG founder Bob Parsons, in a highly confessional account, shares the story of his life, from his humble upbringing to his meteoric rise as one of early tech’s pioneers.
As November celebrates Veteran’s Day, we are paying homage to this entrepreneurial U.S. Marine Corps Vietnam veteran - recipient of the Purple Heart Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, and Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. He attended college at the University of Baltimore on the G.I. Bill and graduated magna cum laude.
Here are ten intriguing insights about Bob that you’ll discover in his book.
-
Bob Parsons is a descendant of coal miners. He grew up in the 1950s in a blue-collar, working-class neighborhood in East Baltimore. Money was tight, given his parents shared a mutual fondness for gambling (and the fact they were not particularly good at it). In his book, Bob talks about the financial struggles his family faced, as well as the emotional neglect he experienced as a boy.
-
Bob failed fifth grade, and every year thereafter was a photo finish.
-
Bob was 17 years old when he enlisted in the Marine Corps. At 18, he was deployed to Vietnam at the height of the war as a replacement for one of five guys – four of whom were killed in action and one who was critically injured.
-
Bob’s early experiences reveal an innate resiliency that got him through a harrowing tour of duty in Vietnam. His time serving shaped his attitude, demeanor and determination from launching his first company, Parsons Technology, to making bold business decisions that would eventually make him one of the wealthiest people in the world.
-
A lesson Bob has kept with him all these years comes from his father. His dad always told him that when you love something, it tells you all its secrets.
-
In his book, Bob reveals the struggles he faced throughout his lifetime because of PTSD, as well as the efforts he has made to treat it. This includes novel therapeutic uses of psychedelics.
-
Bob imparts the wisdom he’s acquired over the course of his career, like passion being a wonderful driver for success, and you can wait too long for something. Most importantly, strike while the iron is hot.
-
Bob shares his philosophy on worry. He says feeling worried won’t change the outcome, as it makes you miserable and holds you back. Therefore, he’s adamant about letting go of worry and feels it’s a key to success. While he vowed his family (if he ever had one) would never lack for anything, he never imagined the wealth he would earn as the founder of Parsons Technology, GoDaddy, PXG, and YAM Worldwide. (BTW, “YAM” playfully stands for: You’re a Mess, a colloquialism from Baltimore said between friends.)
-
Bob reminds us that strength comes from overcoming challenges you once thought you couldn’t do, not from doing what you already know. He’s known for saying, “We’re not here for a long time; we’re here for a good time.”
-
Bob is an entirely self-made multi-billionaire whose hardscrabble childhood, combat service, and unrelenting discipline and pride (because of his Marine Corps service) have shaped his success in every way.
At the end of the day, the book proves Bob Parsons is an everyman who has made it. He’s authentic. The kind of guy you want to have a beer with. And his reflections on life, business, and giving back are heartbreaking, heartwarming, humorous, and inspiring.
In his own words, “I always remind myself I’m still that guy who shot a snake during the Vietnam war and was not allowed to throw hand grenades. Like most guys, I’m just a knucklehead.”
And he is happy to emphasize, "If this 'knucklehead' can do what he has accomplished, anyone can."
bobparsons.com
The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation
To date, The Foundation has awarded $310+ million to 160+ partner organizations. They target low-income and underserved populations often overlooked or underfunded by mainstream philanthropy. Bob and his wife Renee have made a public declaration to donate at least half their net worth.
tbrpf.org